It’s not outside the realms of possibility that Jose Mourinho could be selecting Manchester United’s next XI.
More likely Ryan Giggs would take charge this weekend, if Louis van Gaal was asked to leave the club at this late stage of preparations for Stoke.
And, even if Louis does manage to avoid defeat against an injury hit Stoke side, the feeling is that this is a defeated Manchester United manager.
The boss simply isn’t bringing the best out of his expensively assemble squad.
Even his own signings don’t seem to be on the same page as the eccentric Dutchman whose methods seem dated.
Of course Manchester United could win the next 10 games on the bounce and save himself. But he is going to have to get his team performing much better than this.
With the injury list lightening significantly only Valencia, Shaw and Rojo will definitely miss this one. Meanwhile Bastian Schweinsteiger will serve the last match of his suspension and Jesse Lingard is doubtful.
We think that Herrera should be given a game in place of the ineffectual Juan Mata. Also it’s time for Morgan Schneiderlin to start bossing the midfield.
With this in mind, here is our best XI for the do-or-die clash against Stoke.
Manchester United fans: let’s have your elevens
